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Abstract:

Biological fluid filtration systems and methods are provided for the
treatment of air within the system. A filtration system includes a
pre-filter container joined to an expandable post-filter container by a
filter line having a filter. The post-filter container has a relatively
smaller maximum volume, such that it limits the amount of gas in the
post-filter container during and after filtration of a biological fluid,
thereby improving removal of air from the post-filter container.

Claims:

1. A biological fluid filtration system for filtering leukocytes from a
quantity of biological fluid and collecting the filtered quantity of
biological fluid in a post-filter container, comprising:a leukocyte
removal filter having an inlet and an outlet;an expandable post-filter
container;a filter inlet flow path associated with the filter inlet for
directing biological fluid under the force of gravity into the filter;a
filter outlet flow path fluidly connecting the post-filter container and
the filter outlet;a gas vent passageway associated with the post-filter
container for passing gas from the post-filter container, andwherein the
post-filter container has a maximum vented volume approximately the same
as the quantity of filtered biological fluid.

2. The biological fluid filtration system of claim 1, wherein the maximum
vented volume of the post-filter container is no more than approximately
19% greater or less than the quantity of filtered biological fluid.

3. The biological fluid filtration system of claim 1, wherein the maximum
vented volume of the post-filter container is no more than approximately
20 ml greater or less than the quantity of filtered biological fluid.

4. The biological fluid filtration system of claim 1, wherein the filter,
the filter inlet and outlet flow paths, and the post-filter container are
preassembled and define a closed fluid flow system.

5. The biological fluid filtration system of claim 1, wherein the filter
has a retention volume corresponding to the amount of biological fluid
retained by the filter during gravity filtration of the biological fluid,
and wherein the maximum vented volume of the post-filter container is
based at least in part on the retention volume.

6. The biological fluid filtration system of claim 1, wherein the maximum
vented volume of the post-filter container is based at least in part on
the pressure of the biological fluid flowing into the filter.

7. The biological fluid filtration system of claim 1, wherein the filter
is adapted for filtering leukocytes from a biological fluid including
whole blood.

8. The biological fluid filtration system of claim 1, wherein the filter
is adapted for filtering leukocytes from a biological fluid including a
separated blood component.

9. A method of filtering leukocytes from a quantity of biological fluid,
comprising:flowing a quantity of biological fluid under the force of
gravity through a leukocyte removal filter and into a post-filter
container, wherein the post-filter container has a maximum vented volume
that is approximately the same as the quantity of biological fluid flowed
through the filter and into the post-filter container; andventing gas
from the post-filter container.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the maximum vented volume of the
post-filter container is no more than approximately 19% greater or less
than the quantity of biological fluid flowed through the filter.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the maximum vented volume of the
post-filter container is no more than approximately 20 ml greater or less
than the quantity of biological fluid flowed through the filter.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the filter and the post-filter
container comprise a closed fluid flow system.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the filter has a retention volume
corresponding to the amount of biological fluid retained by the filter
during gravity filtration of the biological fluid, and wherein the
maximum vented volume of the post-filter container is based at least in
part on the retention volume.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein said flowing a quantity of biological
fluid under the force of gravity through a leukocyte removal filter and
into a post-filter container includes flowing the quantity of biological
fluid from a selected height above the filter, and wherein the maximum
vented volume of the post-filter container is based at least in part on
said height.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein said biological fluid includes whole
blood.

16. The method of claim 9, wherein said biological fluid includes a
separated blood component.

17. A method of configuring a filtration system comprising a leukocyte
removal filter for removing leukocytes from a biological fluid and an
expandable post-filter container fluidly connected to the filter,
comprising:determining a volume of biological fluid to be flowed into the
filtration system under the force of gravity;determining a retention
volume of the filter corresponding to the amount of biological fluid
retained by the filter during gravity filtration of said biological fluid
flowing through the filter from a selected height above the
filter;calculating a filtered fluid volume based at least in part on the
retention volume; andproviding the expandable post-filter container with
a maximum vented volume approximately the same as the filtered fluid
volume.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the maximum vented volume of the
post-filter container is no more than approximately 19% greater or less
than the filtered fluid volume.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the maximum vented volume of the
post-filter container is no more than approximately 20 ml greater or less
than the filtered fluid volume.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising assembling the filter and
the post-filter container as a closed fluid flow system.

21. The method of claim 17, wherein said biological fluid includes whole
blood.

22. The method of claim 17, wherein said biological fluid includes a
separated blood component.

[0003]This disclosure generally relates to apparatus and methods for
filtering a biological fluid, such as (but not limited to) the removal of
leukocytes from whole blood or a blood component. More particularly, the
disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for removing air from a fluid
container having an amount of filtered fluid.

[0004]2. Description of Related Art

[0005]Prior to transfusion of blood or a blood component into a recipient,
it is common to filter the blood to remove leukocytes. This process is
commonly referred to as leukoreduction. It may be desirable to remove
leukocytes from blood or a blood component prior to transfusion because
they can trigger a broad range of adverse reactions in a recipient,
ranging from minor effects, such as chills, to more serious effects, such
as the transmission of cytomegalovirus, which can be fatal to recipients
with weakened immune systems.

[0006]Commonly, leukoreduction involves the transfer of blood or a blood
component from a pre-filter fluid container to a post-filter fluid
container through a tubing line having a leukoreduction filter. The
filter typically includes a quantity of air that is pushed out of the
filter upon priming the same during a filtration application. It is
desired to prevent this air from moving into the post-filter container
and remaining there, because such air aggregation can prevent complete
filtration of the blood, as will be described in greater detail herein,
and decrease the quality and storability of the filtered blood. Even when
the blood or blood component is used a short time after filtration, there
is a general preference among users to have as little air in the
post-filter container as possible.

[0007]Known approaches to air management include filtration systems that
are vented to the atmosphere or a gas container and those incorporating a
bypass line. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,863,436 to Matkovich, which is
hereby incorporated herein by reference, describes several leukoreduction
systems incorporating one or more air vents. One commercial system
according to the description of Matkovich is the Pall SAVE® system,
which is incorporated into the Leukotrap® WB Filtration System from
Pall Corporation of Glen Cove, N.Y. The Leukotrap® WB Filtration
System comprises a pre-filter container connected to a post-filter
container by a filter line having a leukoreduction filter. A pre-filter
air vent is associated with the filter line between the pre-filter
container and the filter, while a post-filter air vent is associated with
the filter line between the filter and the post-filter container. In use,
the pre-filter container is hung above the post-filter container and a
cannula of the pre-filter container is broken to allow fluid flow into
the filter line. The fluid is prevented from flowing into the pre-filter
air vent by a removable cap, so it instead flows into the filter. The
filter is allowed to prime, with air exiting the system through the
post-filter air vent. When the filter is fully primed, a cannula between
the post-filter vent and the post-filter container is broken to allow
fluid and air to flow into the post-filter container. Due to pressure
differentials in the system, the filtration process ceases prior to
complete filtration of all the fluid, i.e., with an amount of fluid
remaining in the filter. At that time, the cap on the pre-filter air vent
is removed to allow a gas to enter the filter line and purge any
remaining fluid from the inlet side of the filter.

[0008]One problem with systems according to the foregoing description is
that no means are provided to remove air from the post-filter container,
either during or after filtration. While the post-filter vent removes the
air that is purged from the filter, gas may be initially present in the
system at other locations, such as in the containers or the tubing, as a
result of the manufacturing process. This gas is pushed into the
post-filter container during filtration and can lead to the
aforementioned diminished performance and quality concerns if not removed
during or after filtration.

[0009]In response to the foregoing problem, leukoreduction systems
incorporating bypass lines allow removal of air and other gases from the
post-filter container during and/or after filtration. Several examples of
known leukoreduction systems with bypass lines are described in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,358,420 to Blickhan et al., which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference. In one system, a pre-filter container is connected to a
post-filter container by a filter line having a leukoreduction filter.
Tubing comprising a bypass line is connected to the filter line at
opposite sides of the filter, thereby allowing for fluid communication
between the containers along a path that bypasses the filter. The bypass
line is provided with a one-way valve, typically a check valve, which
only allows air and fluid flow toward the pre-filter container from the
post-filter container. In use, the pre-filter container is hung above the
post-filter container and a cannula of the pre-filter container is broken
to allow fluid flow into the filter line. The fluid is prevented from
flowing through the bypass line and into the post-filter container by the
one-way valve. The fluid flows through the filter and into the
post-filter container, along with an amount of air. Due to pressure
differentials in the system, the filtration process ceases prior to
complete filtration of the fluid, i.e., with an amount of fluid remaining
in the filter. At that time, a slide clamp is placed on the filter line,
between the filter and the post-filter container, and the post-filter
container is squeezed to force air through the bypass line and toward the
pre-filter container. Squeezing the post-filter container to remove air
and other gases is sometimes referred to as "burping" the container. When
the post-filter container has been "burped," the clamp is removed from
the filter line and the filter is allowed to more completely drain.

[0010]According to another leukoreduction system described in Blickhan et
al., one end of the bypass line is connected to the filter line at a
position between the pre-filter container and the filter, while the other
end is connected directly to the post-filter container. This system
operates similarly to the previously described system of Blickhan et al.
to filter blood or a blood component and remove air from the post-filter
container.

[0011]While systems incorporating bypass lines represent improvements over
the systems of Matkovich in terms of air removal from the post-filter
container, the need to manually "burp" the container to remove air may be
problematic. In particular, the amount of air removal is directly
dependent on the skill of the user, which can potentially lead to
insufficient or incomplete air removal.

[0012]A more recent approach to eliminating the manual "burping" step is
to allow for automatic "burping" of the post-filter container. Several
such systems are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,171,493 to Zia et al.,
which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Rather than connecting
the bypass line to one or more sections of the filter line, one end of
the bypass line is directly connected to the pre-filter container and the
other end of the bypass line is directly connected to the post-filter
container. The pre-filter container is hung above the post-filter
container and, in one embodiment, a loop portion of the filter line is
elevated above the fluid level in the pre-filter container to prevent
fluid from flowing through the bypass line and into the post-filter
container. A clamp on the filter line is opened to allow fluid flow
through the filter line and the filter. Air in the filter is pushed into
the post-filter container by the blood and begins to accumulate therein
and/or to leak from the post-filter container into the bypass line. When
the pressure in the post-filter container reaches a sufficient level and
the pressure in the pre-filter container decreases sufficiently
(typically to a vacuum state), some of the air moves up the bypass line,
through the loop portion, and into the pre-filter container. The return
of air to the pre-filter container increases the pressure above the
filter and assists in more completely draining any remaining fluid from
the filter.

[0013]In theory, the "burping" system of Zia et al. improves on previously
known systems by automatically removing air from the post-filter
container, without requiring a manual "burping" operation. However, the
efficiency of the Zia et al. system is contingent on the pressure
differential between the post-filter container and the pre-filter
container. Optimal filtration results are achieved when pressure in the
post-filter container is maximized. If only a small amount of fluid is to
be filtered, then the post-filter container will remain relatively empty
and the pressure developed therein will not be sufficient to re-circulate
the air to the pre-filter container. In such situations, the post-filter
container must be manually squeezed to remove air, thereby representing a
failure of the intended automatic "burping" feature.

[0014]Therefore, there remains a need for apparatus and methods for more
efficiently removing air from a post-filter container, especially during
filtration of a smaller amount of fluid.

SUMMARY

[0015]There are several aspects of the present invention which are
embodied together or separately in the devices, systems and methods
described and claimed below.

[0016]In one aspect, a biological fluid filtration system is provided for
filtering leukocytes from a quantity of biological fluid and collecting
the filtered quantity of biological fluid in a post-filter container. The
system includes a leukocyte removal filter having an inlet and an outlet,
an expandable post-filter container, a filter inlet flow path associated
with the filter inlet for directing biological fluid under the force of
gravity into the filter, and a filter outlet flow path fluidly connecting
the post-filter container and the filter outlet. The system further
includes a gas vent passageway associated with the post-filter container
for passing gas from the post-filter container. The post-filter container
has a maximum vented volume approximately the same as the quantity of
filtered biological fluid.

[0017]In another aspect, a method of filtering leukocytes from a quantity
of biological fluid comprises flowing a quantity of biological fluid
under the force of gravity through a leukocyte removal filter and into a
post-filter container and venting gas from the post-filter container. The
post-filter container has a maximum vented volume that is approximately
the same as the quantity of biological fluid flowed through the filter
and into the post-filter container.

[0018]In yet another aspect, a method is provided for configuring a
filtration system comprising a leukocyte removal filter for removing
leukocytes from a biological fluid and an expandable post-filter
container fluidly connected to the filter. The method includes
determining a volume of biological fluid to be flowed into the filtration
system under the force of gravity and determining a retention volume of
the filter corresponding to the amount of biological fluid retained by
the filter during gravity filtration of said biological fluid flowing
through the filter from a selected height above the filter. A filtered
fluid volume is calculated based at least in part on the retention volume
and an expandable post-filter container with a maximum vented volume
approximately the same as the filtered fluid volume is provided.

[0019]Filtration systems and methods generally described herein are
particularly well-suited for use in connection with leukoreduction of
blood or a blood component. However, filtration systems and methods
according to the present invention are not limited to use with specific
fluids or filtration processes and may be applied to virtually any
biological fluid treatment system involving filtration between two
containers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020]FIGS. 1A-1D are schematic views of a filtration system according to
the present invention and a method of using the same;

[0021]FIGS. 2-5 are schematic views of other filtration systems
incorporating a volume restriction;

[0022]FIG. 6A is a front elevational view of a post-filter container
having a volume restriction provided as a restrictor member, with the
container in an unexpanded or pre-filtration condition;

[0023]FIG. 6B is a front elevational view of the post-filter container and
restrictor member of FIG. 6A, with the container in a restricted maximum
volume condition;

[0024]FIG. 6C is a side elevational view of the post-filter container and
restrictor member of FIG. 6A, with the container in an unexpanded or
pre-filtration condition;

[0025]FIG. 6D is a side elevational view of the post-filter container and
restrictor member of FIG. 6A, with the container in a restricted maximum
volume condition;

[0026]FIG. 7A is a front elevational view of a post-filter container
having an alternative restrictor member, with the container in an
unexpanded or pre-filtration condition;

[0027]FIG. 7B is a front elevational view of the post-filter container and
restrictor member of FIG. 7A, with the container in a restricted maximum
volume condition;

[0028]FIG. 7C is a side elevational view of the post-filter container and
restrictor member of FIG. 7A, with the container in an unexpanded or
pre-filtration condition;

[0029]FIG. 7D is a side elevational view of the post-filter container and
restrictor member of FIG. 7A, with the container in a restricted maximum
volume condition;

[0030]FIG. 8A is a front perspective view of a post-filter container and a
volume restriction provided as a housing;

[0031]FIG. 8B is a side cross-sectional view of a housing having a
"wedge-shaped" cavity;

[0032]FIG. 8C is a side cross-sectional view of the housing of FIG. 8B,
with a post-filter container partially received within the cavity;

[0033]FIG. 8D is a front perspective view of a housing having a plurality
of container-receiving cavities;

[0034]FIG. 9A is a front elevational view of a post-filter container
having a volume restriction provided as first and second plates;

[0035]FIG. 9B is a side elevational view of the post-filter container and
plates of FIG. 9A;

[0036]FIG. 10A is a front perspective view of a volume restriction
provided as a member having a plurality of external radial slots;

[0037]FIG. 10B is a top plan view of the member of FIG. 10A, with a
plurality of post-filter containers received by the slots;

[0038]FIG. 11A is a front elevational view of a post-filter container
having a volume restriction provided as an external clamp;

[0039]FIG. 11B is a side elevational view of the post-filter container and
clamp of FIG. 11A;

[0040]FIG. 12A is a front elevational view of a post-filter container in
an original condition and a deformed condition;

[0041]FIG. 12B is a front elevational view of the post-filter container of
FIG. 12A, with the deformed condition maintained by an external clamp;

[0042]FIGS. 13A-13D are front elevational views of various post-filter
containers having a volume restriction provided as an internal bond;

[0043]FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of a post-filter container
having a volume restriction provided as a plurality of internal bonds;
and

[0044]FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of a post-filter container
according to an aspect of the present invention and a known post-filter
container.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0045]The embodiments disclosed herein are for the purpose of providing
the required description of the present invention. These embodiment,
however, are exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various
forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be
interpreted as limiting the invention as defined in the accompanying
claims.

[0046]FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate a filtration system, generally indicated at
10, suitable for use in combination with a volume restriction 12 (shown
schematically in FIGS. 1A-1D) of the present invention. Other suitable
filtration systems 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d are illustrated in FIGS. 2-5,
respectively, although it will be appreciated from the following
description that the volume restriction 12 may be used with a wide range
of filtration systems, including those systems comprising a component of
a larger fluid processing set, and the present invention is not limited
to the illustrated systems. It may be advantageous to practice the
subject matter described herein with an integral, pre-assembled fluid
flow system, although the apparatus and methods described herein may also
be employed as part of a fluid flow system that originates as separate
components and is assembled at the point of use.

[0047]The filtration system 10 of FIGS. 1A-1D includes a pre-filter
container 14 adapted to contain a biological fluid "F." As used herein,
the term "biological fluid" refers to any bodily fluid that may contain
leukocytes, including without limitation whole blood or a separated blood
component, whether alone or in combination with other fluids, such as
anticoagulant or a storage solution. The pre-filter container 14 may
include a needle and associated tubing 16 for drawing an amount of fluid
into the container 14, although any method of filling the pre-filter
container 14 may be used without departing from the scope of the present
invention. A pre-assembled filtration system that includes a pre-filter
container and associated tubing and needle in which the needle is the
only open access into the system is commonly referred to as a "closed"
system. However, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited to a
closed system. For example, in another embodiment, the pre-filter
container 14 may be provided separately from the remainder of the
filtration system 10 to be filled with a biological fluid "F" from a
source prior to associating the pre-filter container 14 with the system.
According to known design, the pre-filter container 14 may be comprised
of a flexible, transparent material, such as polyvinyl chloride or other
medical grade plastic.

[0048]The pre-filter container 14 includes at least one outlet port with
an associated length of tubing, referred to herein as a filter inlet flow
path 18. The pre-filter container 14 may include other ports connectable
by tubing to various peripheral devices, including other fluid
containers. In some systems, such as the filtration systems 10a and 10c
of FIGS. 2 and 4, one of the ports is associated with a bypass line 20
directly or indirectly connectable to a filter outlet flow path 22 (FIG.
2) or a post-filter container 24 (FIG. 4). These configurations and
features will be described in greater detail herein. The exact structure
of the pre-filter container 14 is not intended to limit the scope of the
present invention and may vary from the particular structures described
and illustrated herein.

[0049]The filter inlet flow path 18 is preferably connected to a bottom
portion of the pre-filter container 14 to allow for fluid flow
therethrough preferably by gravity. The other end of the filter inlet
flow path 18 is connected to a filter inlet 26 of a filter 28. As will be
described in greater detail herein, the biological fluid "F" flows
downward from the pre-filter container 14, through the filter inlet flow
path 18, and into the filter inlet 26 under the force of gravity.
Accordingly, to ensure that the biological fluid "F" has developed
sufficient pressure to pass through the filter 28, the pre-filter
container 14 is hung a selected height above the filter 28. For example,
in one embodiment, the pre-filter container 14 may be positioned
approximately 18-24 inches above the filter 28.

[0050]The filter 28 further includes a filter outlet 30, which is
connected to an inlet port of an expandable post-filter container 24 by a
length of tubing, referred to herein as a filter outlet flow path 22. The
filter inlet flow path 18 and the filter outlet flow path 22 are
collectively referred to herein as a filter line. A suitable filter media
(not shown) is located within the filter so that fluid passing from the
filter inlet flow path 18 to the filter outlet flow path 22 is suitably
filtered. The exact structure and function of the filter 28 is not
intended to limit the scope of the present invention, but a
leukoreduction filter is suitable for use in combination with a
biological fluid "F" comprising blood or a blood component. For example,
the leukoreduction filters in the Sepacell® line from Asahi Kasei
Medical Co., Ltd. of Tokyo, Japan are suitable for use with filtration
systems according to the present invention.

[0051]The post-filter container 24 is adapted to contain a filtered
biological fluid "F" and is comprised of a flexible, preferably
transparent material, such as polyvinyl chloride or other medical grade
plastic. The post-filter container 24 may be comprised of one or more
flexible sheets to define a top end 34, a bottom end 36, and a sidewall
38 extending therebetween. The sidewall 38 defines an interior volume or
portion 40 that is expandable because of, for example, stretching of the
plastic from a minimum volume to a maximum volume by receipt of fluid
"F." During storage, transport, and before filtration has commenced (FIG.
1A), the post-filter container 24 is substantially flat and at or near
the minimum volume, typically with a nominal amount of air contained
therein as a result of the manufacturing process. As the post-filter
container 24 is filled with an increasing amount of fluid "F," it will
continually expand and increase in volume, up to the unrestricted maximum
volume in which the post-filter container 24 generally resembles a pillow
or teardrop.

[0052]The post-filter container 24 may include a plurality of ports (FIGS.
2-4) connectable by tubing to various peripheral devices, including other
fluid containers. In some systems, such as the filtration systems 10b and
10c of FIGS. 3 and 4, one of the ports is associated with a bypass line
20 connectable to the filter inlet flow path 18 (FIG. 3) or the
pre-filter container 14 (FIG. 4).

[0053]In accordance with the present invention, the post-filter container
24 also includes a volume restriction, schematically illustrated in FIGS.
1A-5 and generally identified as element 12. The volume restriction 12
may take any of a number of forms, as will be described in greater detail
herein, and serves the purpose of limiting the volumetric expansion of
the post-filter container 24 upon receipt of a fluid. As per the
foregoing description, the efficiency of two-bag filtration systems
increases as the filled volume of the post-filter container (i.e., the
amount of fluid "F" received by the post-filter container 24) approaches
the maximum expanded volume, because air is naturally forced out of the
container by the presence of the non-gas fluid. Hence, the volume
restriction 12 enhances the performance and efficiency of known
filtration systems by limiting the post-filter container to a restricted
maximum volume that is less than the unrestricted maximum volume.
Preferably, the restricted maximum volume is less than the unrestricted
maximum volume, but greater than the volume of biological fluid "F" to be
filtered, which allows all of the filtered biological fluid "F" to be
held within the post-filter container 24. Alternatively, the restricted
maximum volume may be less than or equal to the volume of biological
fluid "F" to be filtered, which further prevents residual gas from
aggregating in the post-filter container 24 and may force some biological
fluid "F" to remain in another portion of the filtration system 10, such
as one or more tubing segments 42 (FIGS. 1A-1D) for testing. Preferably,
the volume restriction 12 is stationary or fixed with respect to the
post-filter container 24 during the filtration process, i.e., it does not
require manipulation to limit the maximum volume of the post-filter
container 24.

[0054]A method of using a filtration system 10 and volume restriction 12
of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1D. The filtration
system 10 conforms generally to the foregoing description, with a
pre-filter container 14, a filter inlet flow path 18, a filter 28, a
filter outlet flow path 22, a post-filter container 24, and a volume
restriction 12. Preferably, the system 10 is sterilized prior to use in a
filtration procedure, most preferably during the manufacturing process
prior to packaging and transport.

[0055]Additional components of the illustrated system 10 include a
frangible cannula 44 on the filter inlet flow path 18, a filter line
clamp or closure device 46, tubing segments 42 of the filter outlet flow
path 22, a bypass line 20 joined to the filter inlet flow path 18 and the
filter outlet flow path 22 (by a Y-junction, for example), a bypass line
clamp or closure device 48, and a one-way valve 50. The tubing segments
42 may be provided if the filtration system 10 is used to process blood
or a blood component. The segments 42 store a quantity of filtered fluid
apart from the fluid in the post-filter container 24, which stored fluid
is generally used for testing prior to use of the fluid in the
post-filter container 24. The structure of the segments 42 may vary, but
in one embodiment, the segments 42 comprise two- or three-inch tubing
portions that are uniquely labeled for each filtration system 10 to
ensure traceability. Each segment is sealable and severable from the
remainder of the tubing to allow for testing of fluid "F" contained
therein prior to transfusion or other use of the filtered fluid "F" in
the post-filter container 24. As for the closure devices 48 and one-way
valves 50, they may take any of a number of forms, including a slide
clamp or hemostat for the closure device 48 and a check valve or
hydrophobic element for the one-way valve 50. The selection of these or
other closure and valve elements is well within the capabilities of one
having ordinary skill in the art.

[0056]In use, the pre-filter container 14 is filled with a biological
fluid "F" and suspended at a higher vertical elevation than the filter 28
and the post-filter container 24, as shown in FIG. 1A. The filter line
clamp 46 is disengaged from the filter outlet flow path 22 and the
cannula 44 is broken (FIG. 1B). The biological fluid "F" flows by gravity
through the filter inlet flow path 18 and into the filter 28. The
pressure required to pass the biological fluid "F" through the filter 28
is developed by gravity acting on the fluid "F" as it flows downwardly
from the pre-filter container 14 positioned a selected height above the
filter 28. The bypass line clamp 48 prevents flow of the fluid "F"
through the bypass line 20, although the one-way valve 50 or a second
break-away cannula (not illustrated) may perform the same function if the
system 10 is provided without a bypass line clamp 48. When the fluid "F"
has primed the filter 28, the fluid "F" and any air in the filter 28
flows through the filter outlet flow path 22, the tubing segments 42, and
into the post-filter container 24. The post-filter container 24 expands
as it receives the biological fluid "F" and air from the filter 28, and
the pressure therein increases. The volume restriction 12 limits the
expansion of the post-filter container 24, which tends to further
increase the pressure in the post-filter container 24.

[0057]At the same time that the pressure in the post-filter container 24
is increasing, the pressure in the pre-filter container 14 is
decreasing--typically to a vacuum state. When the pressure in the
post-filter container 24 is sufficiently greater than the pressure in the
pre-filter container 14, the flow of biological fluid "F" through the
filter 28 will cease with an amount of fluid "F" remaining in the filter
28, and possibly in the pre-filter container 14 or filter inlet flow path
18 as well. Ideally, this point occurs with substantially all of the
fluid "F" in the post-filter container 24, so that only a small amount of
fluid "F" must be flushed from the filter 28. When filtration so ceases,
the filter line clamp 46 may be reengaged with the filter outlet flow
path 22 and the bypass line clamp 48, if provided, is opened. The
pressure in the post-filter container 24 automatically forces the air
held therein through the bypass line 20 and the one-way valve 50, into
the pre-filter container 14, as shown in FIG. 1C. If present, a vacuum
state in the collapsed pre-filter container 14 also assists in drawing
fluid "F" upward through the bypass line 20. Thus, the use of the volume
restriction 12 will automatically purge all or the majority of air
remaining in the post-filter container 24, thereby eliminating the manual
"burping" step of known systems and effectively turning them into
automatic "burping" systems.

[0058]When the air has been re-circulated to the pre-filter container 14,
the bypass line clamp 48 is reengaged to the bypass line 20 and the
filter line clamp 46 is opened (FIG. 1D). The accumulation of air in the
pre-filter container 14 raises the pressure in the filter inlet flow path
18 above the pressure in the filter outlet flow path 22, which allows the
remainder of biological fluid "F" to flow through the filter 28. This
filtered biological fluid "F" flows into the post-filter container 24 and
some remains in the tubing segments 42 to be tested.

[0059]After filtration is complete, the filter outlet flow path 22 and/or
the segments 42 may be sealed and severed, and the filtered fluid "F" in
the post-filter container 24 may be stored, delivered to a recipient, or
otherwise processed. For example, if the fluid "F" is whole blood and the
filter 28 is a leukoreduction filter, one common post-filtration process
is centrifugation of the post-filter container 24. Depending on the
nature of the volume restriction 12, it may be removed from the
post-filter container 24 or otherwise be deactivated prior to
centrifugation, it may remain with the post-filter container 24
throughout centrifugation, or it may be adapted to disengage from the
post-filter container 24 or otherwise deactivate during centrifugation.

[0060]The filtration systems 10a-10d of FIGS. 2-5 operate similarly to the
foregoing method, with variations depending on the particular components.
For example, the embodiment of FIG. 4 may allow for continuous air
removal from the post-filter container 24, rather than a single purging
step. After the system 10c is hung substantially vertically, as shown,
cannulas 44 on the filter inlet flow path 18 and bypass line 20 are
broken or otherwise opened and fluid flow through the filter 28 begins.
Flow through the bypass line 20 is prevented by a loop portion or the
like (not illustrated) above the fluid level in the pre-filter container
14 or a one-way valve 50. When the pressure differential between the
post-filter container 24 and the pre-filter container 14 reaches a
sufficient level, the air is automatically re-circulated through the
bypass line 20 to the pre-filter container 14, which essentially allows
for "walk-away" operation of the system 10c after the cannulas 44 are
opened. The volume restriction 12 acts to further increase the pressure
in the post-filter container 24, which encourages air removal therefrom
and increases the efficiency of the system 10c.

[0061]As for the other illustrated systems, the system 10b of FIG. 3
operates generally according to the method shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, with one
end of the bypass line 20 being joined directly to the post-filter
container 24, instead of to the filter outlet flow path 22. The system
10a of FIG. 2 operates by initially closing flow to the post-filter
container 24 with a clamp or closure 46. The cannulas 44 on the filter
inlet flow path 18 and the bypass line 20 are opened to allow fluid flow
through the filter 28. As the filter 28 primes, the air from the filter
28 is directed through the bypass line 20 and the one-way valve 50, to
the pre-filter container 14. If provided on the bypass line 20, the
segments 42 will also fill with fluid "F" at this time. To prevent the
backflow of fluid "F" into the pre-filter container 14, it may be
preferred to provide the one-way valve 50 as a hydrophobic filter. At
some point, the backflow of air will cease, at which time the clamp 46 on
the filter outlet flow path 22 is opened and filtration will proceed
until finished, aided by the air previously circulated to the pre-filter
container 14. In this embodiment, the volume restriction 12 aids in
removing air from the post-filter container 24 that is initially present
as a consequence of the manufacturing process.

[0062]Finally, the vented system 10d of FIG. 5 operates according to the
foregoing description of U.S. Pat. No. 5,863,436 to Matkovich, although
the post-filter vent 52 may be placed in other locations downstream of
the filter 28, including on the post-filter container 24. This system 10d
is "non-burpable" and not intended for removing air from the post-filter
container 24 after the air from the filter is removed through vent 52.
Some of the benefits provided by the volume restriction 12 may not be
fully realized when used in combination with a "non-burpable" system, so
it is preferred to use the volume restriction 12 with "burpable" systems,
however the present invention is not so limited and may also be used with
"non-burpable" systems, such as the one illustrated in FIG. 5, and other
dual-container biological fluid filtration systems not specifically
illustrated or described herein.

[0063]FIGS. 6A-14 illustrate a variety of volume restrictions according to
the present invention. For example, FIGS. 6A-6D show a volume restriction
provided as a restrictor member 54. The restrictor member 54 is shown as
a belt or band that substantially encircles at least a portion of the
post-filter container 24. The post-filter container 24 is expandable from
an empty condition (FIGS. 6A and 6C) to a restricted maximum volume
(FIGS. 6B and 6D) that is less than the unrestricted maximum volume,
which is shown in broken lines in FIGS. 6B and 6D. The restrictor member
54 is substantially non-expandable, or at least less expandable than the
post-filter container 24, and acts as an outer boundary for the
volumetric expansion of the portion of the container which it surrounds.
The placement, size, strength, and inner diameter of the restrictor
member 54 determine the restricted maximum volume and may be tailored to
the anticipated use of the filtration system. Preferably, the restrictor
member 54 is adapted to be used in combination with standard fluid
containers, but may also be configured to be used with specially shaped
containers.

[0064]Numerous variations may be made to the restrictor member 54, such as
providing a transparent or semi-transparent restrictor member to allow
for improved visibility of the interior of the post-filter container 24.
Rather than positioning the restrictor member 54 horizontally, as shown
in FIGS. 6A-7D), it may be positioned to vertically or diagonally
encircle a portion of the post-filter container 24. The restrictor member
54 may be adapted for tightening or loosening to selectively adjust the
inner diameter thereof and, in turn, adjust the restricted maximum
volume. If a much smaller restricted maximum volume is desired, a
relatively wide restrictor member 54a comprising a sleeve (FIGS. 7A-7D)
or a plurality of restrictor members 54 may be used with the post-filter
container 24. The restrictor member 54, 54a may be fixedly secured to the
post-filter container 24 or removable therefrom. If secured to the
post-filter container 24, any of a number of means may be used, including
adhesion, welding, crimping, and the like. If removable from the
post-filter container 24, the restrictor member 54, 54a may be
elastomeric or have a frangible or weakened zone that is broken to
disengage the restrictor member. Alternatively, the restrictor member 54,
54a may be adapted to automatically disengage or at least partially
separate from the post-filter container 24 when subjected to the
pressures of a centrifuge.

[0065]FIG. 8A illustrates a volume restriction provided as a
cavity-defining housing 56. The housing 56 is more rigid than the
post-filter container 24 and defines a cavity 58 adapted to receive at
least a portion of the post-filter container 24. The cavity 58 is sized
and configured such that it limits the expansion of the container portion
received therein to a restricted maximum volume that is less than the
unrestricted maximum volume. The magnitude of the restricted volume may
be varied by putting a greater or lesser portion of the post-filter
container 24 into the cavity 58. The cavity 58 of FIG. 8A has a generally
cuboid shape, although other configuration may be used without departing
from the scope of the present invention. For example, FIGS. 8B and 8C are
cross-sectional views of a housing 56a having a generally "wedge-shaped"
cavity 58a, with the perimeter of the cavity 58a decreasing from top to
bottom. Such a "wedge-shaped" cavity 58a may be preferred for ease of
removing a post-filter container 24 therefrom.

[0066]Another variation of the housing is illustrated in FIG. 8D. In this
embodiment, the housing 56b includes a second cavity 58', which is
adapted to receive a second post-filter container. While the housing 56b
is illustrated as having two identical cavities 58 and 58', there may be
more than two cavities and/or cavities that are differently shaped,
sized, or configured. It will be appreciated that the multiple-cavity
housing 56b effectively provides a "volume restriction station" that
allows for the simultaneous volume restriction of several post-filter
containers, which may be useful for users having a number of filtration
applications to carry out.

[0067]FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate an embodiment wherein the volume
restriction comprises first and second plates 64. A side view of the
plates 64 is shown in FIG. 9B, which shows them as being identical and
parallel to each other, but they may be differently shaped and/or
divergent without departing from the scope of the present invention. The
plates 64 are spaced apart from each other to receive at least a portion
of a post-filter container 24 therebetween. While the illustrated plates
64 are larger than the post-filter container 24, one or both of the
plates 64 may be smaller than the container 24, such that only a portion
of the container 24 is received therebetween. As the post-filter
container 24 fills with fluid, it bears against the plates 64 and is
prevented from expanding to an unrestricted maximum volume. The plates 64
may be fixedly connected to each other by any of a number of connection
means, such as the screws 66 shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. In one embodiment,
the connection means are adapted to allow for selective adjustment of the
separation between the plates 64, which the manufacturer or user may
adjust to specify the restricted maximum volume.

[0068]Additional plates may be connected to the first and/or second plates
64 to allow for the simultaneous volume restriction of a plurality of
post-filter containers, similar to the "volume restriction station"
illustrated in FIG. 8D. Another variation of a "volume restriction
station" is illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B. In this embodiment, the
volume restriction comprises a body member 60 having a plurality of
plates 64 extending away from the outer surface of the body member 64.
The body member 64 is illustrated as a tubular member with radially
extending plates 64, but it may be provided in any of a variety of
shapes. Adjacent plates define a slot 62 therebetween, which is adapted
to receive at least a portion of a post-filter container 24. The shape
and size of the slots 62 in the illustrated embodiment depend on the
angular separation between adjacent plates and the orientation of
adjacent plates (e.g., projecting radially away from the central axis of
the body member 60 to form a "wedge-shaped" slot or being parallel to
each other, as shown). The illustrated slots 62 are substantially linear
and vertical, with a generally uniform width (angular extent) from top to
bottom, which maintains a post-filter container 24 received therein in a
vertical orientation. However, each slot 62 may be non-linear (e.g.,
having sinusoidal shapes) and/or non-vertical and may have a varying
width along its length. The size and configuration of each slot 62 is
sufficiently small to prevent full expansion of the container portion
received therein, which limits the container 24 to a restricted maximum
volume (FIG. 10B) that is less than the unrestricted maximum volume
(shown in broken lines in FIG. 10B).

[0069]The volume restrictions of FIGS. 8A-10B may be adapted to rest on
the ground or other surface or to be suspended above the ground with the
post-filter container 24. Preferably, these volume restrictions are
adapted to be used in combination with standard fluid containers, but
they may also be configured to be used with specially shaped containers.
Further, although the housings and plates are illustrated as being solid,
they need not be solid and may take a variety of forms, such as mesh-like
or other.

[0070]FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an embodiment of the volume restriction
as an external clamp of clip 68. The clamp 68 is illustrated as a typical
spring clamp or squeeze clamp, but any squeezing or pinching means
(including a one-piece, slide-on "paperclip-like" clip) may also be used
without departing from the scope of the present invention. The clamp 68
engages the sidewall 38 of the post-filter container 24 and presses
opposing portions of the sidewall 38 against each other in the container
interior 40. By action of the clamp 68, the available volume within the
interior 40 effectively decreases, as fluid cannot occupy the space
between the opposing sidewall portions. Further, it will be appreciated
that the clamp 68 prevents or at least limits expansion at and adjacent
to the opposing sidewall portions by pressing the opposing portions
together. The clamp 68 may be removable from the post-filter container
24, allowing repositioning prior to filtration and/or removal after
filtration. Alternatively, a non-removable clamp or a plurality of
removable/non-removable clamps may also be used without departing from
the scope of the present invention.

[0071]FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate an embodiment wherein the volume
restriction comprises a deformation of the post-filter container 24. As
shown in FIG. 12A, the post-filter container 24 is initially provided in
an original condition 70, which is typically substantially flat. A
deformed portion 72 is created by deforming the post-filter container 24
from the original condition 70 to a deformed condition 74. The deformed
portion 72 of FIG. 12A is formed by creasing and folding a bottom section
of the post-filter container 24, so it is referred to herein as a "folded
portion," although other deformations, such as tightly rolling a portion
of the container, are possible and within the scope of the present
invention. The folded portion 72 is separated from the remainder of the
container interior by a crease 76, which preferably prevents the inflow
of biological fluid into the folded portion 72 during filtration. Hence,
it will be appreciated that the available interior volume of the
post-filter container 24 is decreased by an amount substantially equal to
the volume of the folded portion 72. Similarly, the maximum expanded
volume is decreased from an unrestricted maximum expanded volume to a
restricted maximum expanded volume, which achieves the benefits
previously described herein.

[0072]Preferably, the integrity of the folded portion 72 is maintained
throughout the filtration process, such that fluid is not allowed into
the folded portion 72 during filtration. For example, as shown in FIG.
12B, the folded portion 72 may be enforced by a clamp or clip 68 similar
to that illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B. In another embodiment, the
folded portion 72 is adhered or otherwise bonded to the remainder of the
post-filter container 24 to prevent a return to the original condition 70
during filtration.

[0073]FIGS. 13A-14 illustrate embodiments wherein the volume restriction
is provided as a bond 78 in the interior 40 of the post-filter container
24. As per the foregoing description, the post-filter container 24 may be
comprised of, inter alia, a sidewall 38 that defines an open interior
portion 40. In the embodiments of FIGS. 13A-14, opposing portions of the
sidewall 38 are bonded together in the interior portion 40, which limits
the interior volume and the maximum expanded volume. The bond 78 may be
provided as a surface bond, achieved by an adhesive or surface finish or
the like, or a structural bond, achieved by melt-bonding or the like. For
example, in one embodiment, opposing portions of the sidewall 38 are
treated with a surface finish (such as a heat-activated adhesive) that is
adapted to bond the opposing portions together when the post-filter
container 24 is sterilized prior to use. Of course, the nature of the
bond is dependent on the material of the sidewall 38 and will vary
accordingly, so this aspect of the present invention is not limited to a
particular bonding process or configuration.

[0074]Although the bond 78 is described as being in the interior portion
40 of the post-filter container 24, this aspect of the present invention
is not limited to a manufacturing step taking place within the interior
portion 40, such as the application of adhesive to the sidewall 38. On
the contrary, this aspect of the present invention may include external
manipulation that results in a bond 78 in the interior portion 40, such
as a melt-bonding process that involves the application of heat to the
outside of the sidewall 38, which is then pressed against an opposing
portion thereof to establish a structural bond in the interior portion
40.

[0075]FIGS. 13A-13D illustrate various embodiments of a bond 78 occupying
a significant section of the interior portion 40, which will
significantly decrease the maximum expanded volume, although the bond 78
is not limited to a specific size or shape. Further, it will be seen from
FIGS. 13A-13D that the bond 78 may be located in a variety of different
positions within the post-filter container 24, but the illustrated
configurations are exemplary, rather than limiting, and the bond 78 may
be positioned virtually anywhere within the interior portion 40.

[0076]FIG. 14 illustrates a plurality of smaller bonds 78 that each joins
together highly localized opposing portions of the container sidewall 38.
The opposing sections of the sidewall 38 at each bond 78 are held
together and at least substantially (if not completely) prevented from
expanding upon receipt of a fluid into the post-filter container 24.
Similarly, the sections of the container sidewall 38 adjacent to each
bond 78 are pulled toward each other, which limits their ability to
expand upon receipt of a fluid into the post-filter container 24.

[0077]Preferably, the bonds 78 are sufficiently strong that they will not
release during filtration. In one embodiment, the bonds are frangible at
a force greater than the forces typically present during filtration,
which allows at least partial separation of the opposing sidewall
portions from each other. For example, a bond may be partially or
completely broken to increase the maximum expanded volume before, during,
or after filtration. Such a feature may be useful in providing a
post-filter container with a relatively large bond that is partially
broken by a user prior to filtration according to the amount of fluid to
be processed. If the bond is adapted to be broken before or during
filtration, it is preferably provided by a bio-compatible adhesive
material that will not contaminate the fluid upon contact therewith.

[0078]Rather than providing a separate volume restriction element or
modifying a known post-filter container to limit its expansion during
filtration, a filtration system may be provided with a post-filter
container having a relatively smaller maximum volume. For example, FIG.
15 shows the difference between a known post-filter container 100 and an
exemplary post-filter container 102 having a relatively smaller maximum
volume according to an aspect of the present invention.

[0079]In the United States, it is common to perform leukoreduction on an
approximately 500 ml volume of whole blood, which volume may range from
approximately 400-550 ml. The unfiltered whole blood is first collected
in a pre-filter container, conforming generally to the foregoing
description, which may contain approximately 63-70 ml of anticoagulant.
Hence, the combined volume of fluid in the pre-filter container is
approximately 463-620 ml. In contrast, for a typical red blood cell
leukoreduction operation, 200-350 ml of separated red blood cells
including 90-110 ml of additive solution may be provided in the
pre-filter container for filtration. The foregoing are merely exemplary
and other volumes and biological fluids may also be used in combination
with systems and methods according to the present disclosure.

[0080]Using known leukoreduction filters and filtration methods with
anticoagulated whole blood, it has been found that approximately 5-15% of
the volume filtered is ultimately retained in the filter. The amount of
fluid retained in the filter during the filtration process is referred to
herein as the "retention volume" and may depend on a number of factors,
including the nature of the filter material, the size or volume of the
filter housing, the nature of the biological fluid, and the pressure of
the fluid as it enters the filter (corresponding to the height at which
the pre-filter container is hung above the filter). The retention volume
may be decreased by venting gas from the post-filter container to the
pre-filter container or the filter inlet flow path after flow through the
filter initially stops, in accordance with the foregoing description.
Moving or venting this gas to a location within the system above the
filter increases the pressure on any unfiltered biological fluid, forcing
more of the fluid through the filter and into the post-filter container,
thereby decreasing the retention volume of the filter.

[0081]After accounting for the amount of the original 463-620 ml of
biological fluid ultimately retained by the filter (i.e., the retention
volume), the post-filter container may receive approximately 394-589 ml
of filtered fluid. The quantity of biological fluid that is actually
filtered and passed into the post-filter container is referred to herein
as the "filtered fluid volume."

[0082]In addition to the filtered fluid, the post-filter container will
also receive any gas resident in the filtration system. For example, in
known systems there may be approximately 90-ml of air in the system, with
approximately 40-60 ml of this air in the filter and the remainder in the
post-filter container and/or the tubing. Ultimately, the total volume
received by the post-filter container (including gas) may be
approximately 434-649 ml, most typically around 535 ml.

[0083]Known post-filter containers have a maximum volume that is
substantially greater than necessary to hold the filtered fluid volume.
For example, known post-filter containers, such as the container 100 of
FIG. 15, may have a size of about 5 inches×7 inches for a container
formed by peripherally sealing facing layers of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
film. This translates to a maximum vented volume of at least
approximately 635 ml, which is too large to create an internal pressure
sufficiently great to exit gas in an automatic venting feature, and the
container 100 must be squeezed to remove gas. When used herein, the term
"maximum vented volume" refers to the effective volume of a post-filter
container having an associated bypass line or other suitable gas vent
passageway or mechanism. The absolute maximum volume of such known
containers (i.e., the maximum volume in the absence of a venting
mechanism) may be approximately 822.67 ml, whereas the associated bypass
line allows for nominal gas release from the container during filtration
and a "maximum vented volume" of at least approximately 635 ml.

[0084]In one embodiment of this aspect of the present invention, the
post-filter container has a maximum volume able to contain at most the
combined volume of filtered fluid and air when fully filled and distended
under pressure of the filtration fluid head. This leads to an increased
internal pressure during filtration and results in automatic gas venting
from the container. In an exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15, a
post-filter container 102 according to this aspect of the present
invention, as adapted for use in a filtration operation according to the
foregoing description, may have a size that is about 6
inches×5.25-5.3 inches, which is a material requirement about 9.1%
less than the known container 100. Such a smaller container 102 may have
a maximum vented volume of approximately 535 ml or a maximum vented
volume in the range of approximately 535-555 ml, which is sufficiently
large to receive all of the filtered fluid, while also being sufficiently
small to automatically exit all or at least a substantial portion of the
air received therein during filtration. A container according to this
exemplary embodiment may have an absolute maximum volume of approximately
656.70 ml, compared to the absolute maximum volume of approximately
822.67 ml for known containers.

[0085]While a post-filter container sized and configured according to the
foregoing description may be preferred for the described filtration
operation, this aspect of the present invention is not limited to
filtration of a particular fluid or a post-filter container with a
particular maximum volume, as the container maximum vented volume is
preferably selected to account for a number of factors, such as the fluid
volume to be filtered, the retention volume of the filter, the height at
which the pre-filter container is hung above the filter (i.e., the
pressure of the biological fluid as it enters the filter), the estimated
air or gas resident in the filter, the configuration of the filtration
system (e.g., whether gas vented from the post-filter container is used
to push additional biological fluid through the filter), and the
particular filtration method employed. Accordingly, while the specific
examples of volume and size may be suitable for the illustrated system,
the volume or size of the smaller container will vary according to
various factors such as described above. For example, in other
embodiments, the post-filter container may be approximately 47/8 inches
wide×6.5 inches long or approximately 4.75 inches wide×7
inches long or 47/8 inches wide×53/8 inches long.

[0086]In another embodiment, the filtered fluid volume is calculated
(taking into consideration, for example, the aforementioned factors) and
the post-filter container is configured to have a maximum vented volume
approximately the same as the filtered fluid volume, such that there is
ideally relatively little or no gas remaining in the post-filter
container following the filtration process. For purpose of this
description, "approximately the same" means up to ±19% or, more
preferably a narrower range of ±4%, as explained in more detail below.
To optimize the performance of the system, it may be provided with
instructions to the end user indicating, for example, the nature and
amount of biological fluid to be filtered, the height above the filter at
which the pre-filter container is to be hung, and the steps to carry out
in filtering the biological fluid. To more closely control the height at
which the pre-filter container is hung above the filter, the system may
be provided with a fixture configured to secure the various components of
the system at the proper height and in the correct alignment.

[0087]To account for variables in the filtration process, the post-filter
container may be configured to have a maximum vented volume that is
slightly greater or less than the estimated quantity of filtered
biological fluid that will ultimately be passed thereinto. For example,
the post-filter container may be provided with a maximum vented volume
that is no more than approximately 19% greater or less than the quantity
of filtered biological fluid that is expected to be passed thereinto. In
another embodiment, the post-filter container may be provided with a
maximum vented volume that is no more than approximately 20 ml greater or
less than the quantity of filtered biological fluid that is expected to
be passed thereinto. More preferably, the post-filter container has a
maximum vented volume that is no more than approximately 4% greater or
less than the quantity of filtered biological fluid that is expected to
be passed thereinto. Providing a post-filter container smaller than the
calculated filtered fluid volume may be advantageous when gas removal is
prioritized by the end user or when some of the filtered fluid is
maintained elsewhere (e.g., in tubing segments). On the other hand,
providing a post-filter container larger than the calculated filtered
fluid volume may be advantageous when the volume of collected fluid is
prioritized over more complete gas removal by the end user or when
emphasis is placed on decreasing the filtration time.

[0088]In general, the post-filter container preferably is sized and has a
shape and elastic properties such that, when filled, it has created an
internal pressure sufficient to automatically exit all or at least a
substantial portion of the air within through a venting or bypass means
(such as a bypass line according to the foregoing description). A number
of other objectives may also be accounted for in designing a post-filter
container according to this aspect of the present invention. Those
considerations include providing a post-filter container that will
operate to automatically vent gas without significantly impacting the
time required to fill the container. In some operations, such as
filtering whole blood, the filtered fluid in the post-filter container is
centrifuged, so another consideration is providing a smaller post-filter
container that will be compatible with existing centrifuge buckets, such
that the container will fit in commercially available centrifuge buckets
as well as conforming to their geometry to avoid breaking under
centrifugation pressures. Yet another consideration is the fact that, if
the post-filter container is formed from a PVC material and steam
sterilized, it will shrink during manufacture, so the dimensions of the
sheeting material must be selected to account for any shrinkage or other
dimensional variation arising during or after the manufacturing process.

[0089]As referred to above, in one exemplary embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 15, a post-filter container 102 for leuko-reducing whole blood is
approximately 6 inches long and approximately 5.25-5.3 inches wide
(before sterilization) and has a maximum vented volume of approximately
535 ml or a maximum vented volume in the range of approximately 535-555
ml. This is in contrast to, for example, a current whole blood
post-filter container from Fenwal Inc., which is approximately 7 inches
long and approximately 5 inches wide (before sterilization) and has a
maximum vented volume of at least approximately 635 ml. A post-filter
container 102 according to this exemplary embodiment may be constructed
from known materials, such as PL146-2 sheeting with a 0.0145 inch nominal
thickness from Baxter International Inc. A post-filter container so
constructed has been found to be sufficiently large to hold all of the
filtered fluid in a typical whole blood filtration operation, while being
sufficiently small to automatically vent all or substantially all of the
gas moved into the container during filtration. Further, such a container
is suitable for use with existing centrifuge buckets and provides all of
these benefits without significantly impacting the time required to fill
the container.

[0090]While decreasing the height and/or width of the container is one
approach to minimizing the maximum vented volume, other approaches are
also possible. For example, the maximum vented volume may be made
relatively smaller by increasing the thickness and/or rigidity of the
sheeting material, thereby limiting the expandability of the container
and increasing the pressure developed within the container during
filtration, which increases gas removal, effectively decreasing the
maximum vented volume. It will be appreciated that a number of factors
affect the maximum vented volume of the post-filter container, including
but not limited to the height, width, sheet rigidity, and seal
arrangement and any one or more of these factors may be modified to
achieve a relatively smaller maximum vented volume. Thus, this aspect of
the present invention is not limited to the modification of any
particular aspect of the post-filter container and broadly includes any
modification to the container directed to providing a relatively smaller
maximum vented volume.

[0091]Fluid filtration using post-filter containers according to this
aspect of the present invention may be accomplished using any of the
systems generally illustrated in FIGS. 1A-5 or any other filtration
system involving the transfer of fluid from a source (typically a
pre-filter container), through a fluid conduit having a filter or fluid
treatment device, to a post-filter container. It may be preferred to
provide a system with a vent or bypass line in fluid communication with
the post-filter container to improve automatic gas removal during
filtration.

[0092]A wide variety of biological fluid filtration methods using a
pre-filter container, a filter or fluid treatment device, and a
post-filter container are well-known to those of ordinary skill in the
art and may be practiced with a post-filter container according to this
aspect of the present invention.

[0093]It will be understood that the embodiments described above are
illustrative of some of the applications of the principles of the present
invention. Numerous modifications may be made by those skilled in the art
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, including
those combinations of features that are individually disclosed or claimed
herein. For these reasons, the scope of the invention is not limited to
the above description but is as set forth in the following claims.